Free man: Tim Lafai is being courted by several clubs after being granted a release from the Bulldogs. Photo: Getty Images

The Samoan international requested a release from the final two years of his contract and his management came to an agreement with the club late on Friday. The 24-year-old farewelled his Canterbury teammates earlier in the day.

"Tim's enjoyed his time at the Bulldogs and we're appreciative of the club culture and everything they have done for him," said his agent, David Rawlings.

"Des Hasler has done a lot in developing him as a footballer and a young man and we thank him for that. We're looking forward to the next stage of his career and we believe the best is yet to come.

"Tim will enjoy a fresh start to 2016 and the opportunity to get his first full pre-season after struggling with injuries in recent years."

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The centre has played on the right side in recent times but his preference would be to play on the left at a new club. Several have already expressed interest, including Penrith, St George Illawarra, Gold Coast and New Zealand.

The Panthers view Lafai as a potential replacement for Jamal Idris, who walked away from the game indefinitely for personal reasons.

Panthers supremo Phil Gould was non-committal when asked if the club was interested in his services on social media.

"Good kid .. Always liked him .. Specialist left centre I reckon." Gould tweeted. "Has been playing on right for Bulldogs. Not ideal."

The Dragons are after an outside back and Lafai is on the radar, although the Red V is also deep in negotiations with unwanted Manly utility Peta Hiku. The Kiwi international is tossing up whether to join the Dragons or Parramatta, where he would be reunited with coach Brad Arthur and several of his former Sea Eagles teammates.

Hopoate remains locked in a legal battle with Parramatta, with the Supreme Court to rule whether an offer from the Eels is legally binding.

Hopoate has been below his best since coming back from a Mormon mission, but Hasler is confident of a return to top form when he joins a star-studded backline that includes the Morris twins, Moses Mbye, Josh Reynolds, Curtis Rona and Sam Perrett.